Justice News

Wilmington Man Sentenced For Armed Robbery – Victor McClain

RALEIGH- United States Attorney Thomas G. Walker announced that in federal court yesterday VICTOR MCCLAIN, 61, was sentenced by Chief United States District Chief Judge James C. Dever to 235 months imprisonment, 5 years supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $200.00 special assessment. MCCLAIN was sentenced pursuant to the Armed Career Criminal Act.

On January 9, 2013, MCCLAIN pled guilty to Robbery of a Business Engaged in Interstate Commerce and Possession of a Firearm by a Felon for an offense that occurred on December 7, 2011.

On December 7, 2011, MCCLAIN and his co-defendant, Aaron Monroe robbed the Game Giant in Wilmington, North Carolina. After pretending to shop for various items, the men brandished firearms and stole money from the store and three individuals present in the store. After stealing the money, MCCLAIN and his co-defendant barricaded the three victims into the bathroom to facilitate their escape. One of the men managed to free himself from the bathroom and ran out of the store where an officer with the Wilmington Police Department was nearby. The victim yelled to the officer that a robbery had taken place and pointed out the defendants who were leaving in a car.

Officers with the Wilmington Police Department attempted to stop the vehicle in which the defendants were traveling, however, the defendants refused to stop. During the chase, MCCLAIN threw the handguns used in the course of the robbery out of the window. When the defendants came to a stop, MCCLAIN attempted to flee the area on foot, however, he was apprehended very quickly.

Investigation of this case was conducted by the Wilmington Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Special Assistant United States Attorney Charity Wilson is serving as prosecutor for the government. Ms. Wilson is a prosecutor with the New Hanover County District Attorney's Office. District Attorney Ben David has assigned her to the United States Attorney's Office to prosecute federal Project Safe Neighborhood cases and other violent crime cases.